President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday said his famous handshake with Opposition leader Raila Odinga on the steps of Harambee House has a deeper understanding than some politicians think.
The President said the process leading to the meeting with the opposition leader was carefully thought out and fashioned with the ultimate aim of building a stronger, united and cohesive nation.
“There is a much deeper understanding between myself and Raila Odinga; an understanding that is driven by the desire to ensure that we leave this country much stronger, more united and more focused than it has ever been,” said President Kenyatta.
The Head of State spoke during the 40th-anniversary memorial service in remembrance of the founding father of the nation, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta held at the Holy Family Minor Basilica, Nairobi.
President Kenyatta said that the building bridges initiative is in keeping with the spirit of the nation’s founding fathers who held dreams of a united Kenya. He a time comes when leaders must let go of petty politics and come together for the fundamental issues that make Kenya a celebrated nation and in the process fostering national unity and progress.
Uhuru further cautioned some politicians to stop misinterpreting the handshake and its intentions but rather focus on its bigger agenda which will allow Kenyans to work together and compete without considerations of tribe or religion.
“What we are aiming at, is that politics will never again drive our country to bloodshed, destruction of property and animosity,” said President Kenyatta adding that in the future a Kenyan should be able to seek elective office in any part of the country.
On corruption, President Kenyatta called on all Kenyans to come together and hold hands against the vice. He noted Kenyans cannot access adequate health care and education if they do not completely eliminate graft.
“We must work together and eliminate corruption so that our people can get the services that are due to them as citizens of this republic,” added Kenyatta.
The President said the founding father of the nation had made many achievements to consolidate the young nation but also faced challenges that confront all human beings.
“We are not here to glorify the man. He was human, and being human, there were great things he managed to achieve for this country and there were also issues that he was confronted with just like all of us.”
He said there is need for Kenyans to learn from the mistakes of their forefathers, in their efforts to achieve the dreams enshrined in the national anthem about the unity of the nation, peace within its borders and harmony among its people.
President Kenyatta added that history can only remain relevant if it teaches people about the mistakes of the past and how to confront them, adding that history gives a nation its soul.
Uhuru said the country is yet to completely subdue the same challenges that faced our forefathers including education, health and alleviating poverty.
While Deputy President William Ruto described Mzee Kenyatta as the epitome of hard work, enterprise and wealth creation.
“He consolidated the country into a nation. He left a legacy of hard work, enterprise and wealth creation,” said the DP.
The memorial service-cum eucharistic celebration has been observed every year by sitting Presidents since Mzee Kenyatta’s death.
